Sunday, February 16, 2020

Mexico So Far

Just a couple of days in and we are loving Mexico (even more than previously).

Our border crossing at Nogales went very well. We were able to get all of the right stamps and pay the right fees and deposits to ensure we wouldn't illegally import our van into Mexico. The process could be improved, but it likely won't be. The trick was the place you do all of the paperwork is about 23 miles south of the border, and well outside of Nogales, after you get on the highway heading south. Temporary Import Permit in hand and the accompanying sticker on the windshield and we were on our way. We were done in a little over an hour.

Our first night we wild camped in San Carlos near Guaymas, Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez.  Without exaggerating, there is enough room in the wild camping area to park at least 200 RVs and other rigs. The beach is just on the other side of the campsites too.  Such a jewel!  There may have been 40 total the night we stayed. The town itself is in a beautiful setting with tall rock formations as a backdrop, and follows the seafront with streetlined shops, boat-fishing-diving tours, plenty of restaurants, hotels, rv parks and condos.  A nearby canyon looks beautiful, with hiking trails, rock climbing and a zip line.  We could have stayed longer, but headed south after a nice Valentine's Day at the beach.


Settling in at the free campground.
This hummingbird kept a close eye on us all afternoon.


The beach birds...

Selfie...

 Our first Mexican sunset




And our first Mexican sunrise....                                    


Interesting statue south of Guaymas.




Our next stop was a lot further off the main highway - an hour each way - but spectacular, in a place called Las Glorias. We opted for a paid campsite for two reasons. First, we don't like parking on the beach as heavy as we are and without 4WD.  Second, they had hot showers and bathrooms included in the under $14 price.  The best part was the quiet, long stretch of beach with more beautiful shells lining it. 


Lunch time at Las Glorias beach.

And the view from our campsite for the afternoon.  Made for a great beachwalk!


We were able to give away our fifth soccer ball and our first in Mexico to the owner Victor's son, Victor. It was magic as they immediately began playing soccer, and pulled Pam in, until it was too dark to see. We were just a couple yards from the beach and the sound of the waves crashing in the night was healing.
Victor and his new soccer ball.  Only 41 more to give away along our path.
























Our original plan today (2/16) was to get lunch and a beach walk in Mazatlan. We were quickly reminded as we drove to the beach that Sundays are very busy in any Mexican beach town and we opted to head to our final destination for the day, Concordia. It is a small town in the hills with a Cathedral that dates to the 1700's. 

We had a great lunch for two with 3 Tecates for about $13 including the tip. As we walked back through the main square to our clean little family ran $21 hotel room with AC and wifi, a food truck was playing a Mana album which just finished the deal.

Update: 2 more balls in Concordia takes the total to 7.

Peace and more soon...


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